Greece will prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media platforms starting January 1, 2027, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on April 7, 2026. The measure addresses rising youth anxiety, sleep disorders, and the addictive design of apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, positioning Greece as one of the first nations to enact such a sweeping ban.
Greece Social Media Ban Under 15s: Announcement Details
Mitsotakis revealed the policy in a TikTok video, deliberately choosing the platform to reach young users directly. “We have decided to go ahead with a difficult but necessary measure: ban access to social media for children under 15 years old,” he stated. The regulatory framework will be introduced by summer 2026, with enforcement via a mandatory state app installed on all devices, overriding parental consent.
The prime minister acknowledged potential backlash from youth, framing the ban as protection from “addictive design” that harms mental health and freedom. Scientific evidence cited shows prolonged screen time disrupts brain rest, fueling the decision. Greece builds on prior steps like school mobile phone bans and parental control tools.
Reasons for Greece’s Under-15 Social Media Ban
Health concerns drive the policy. Mitsotakis highlighted escalating anxiety, sleep problems, and addiction among children. A February 2026 ALCO poll showed 80% public support, reflecting parental worries. The Greek Safer Internet Centre reports 75% of primary school children already use social media.
This aligns with global evidence linking social media to youth mental health issues. Mitsotakis emphasized protecting “innocence and freedom,” urging reflection on platform impacts. The ban targets major sites, including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, extending to age-restricted purchases like tobacco and alcohol.
Enforcement of Social Media Ban Greece’s Under-15s
Implementation relies on a government app requiring device installation, ensuring compliance without relying solely on self-reporting. Platforms must verify ages, with penalties for non-compliance. Unlike softer measures elsewhere, Greece’s approach is mandatory and universal.
Mitsotakis stressed the government’s duty transcends popularity, acting in the public interest. The app’s dual role in restricting vices underscores a holistic youth protection strategy.
EU Push for Social Media Restrictions Under 15
Mitsotakis wrote to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, proposing an EU-wide “digital age of majority” at 15. He advocates harmonised age verification, re-verification, and penalties by the end of 2026, arguing national efforts alone fall short.
“Greece will be among the first countries to take such an initiative… I am certain it will not be the last,” he said, calling for bloc-wide action.
Global Context: Social Media Bans for Minors
Greece joins a wave of restrictions. Australia mandates verification for under-16s; France, Spain, and others limit minors. The U.S. sees state-level efforts amid lawsuits against platforms. These reflect consensus on social media’s risks to developing brains, prioritising safety over access.
Implications of Greece’s Social Media Ban on Under-15s
The ban could reshape youth digital habits, boosting offline activities while challenging platforms’ growth. Tech firms face verification costs and potential revenue dips from ad targeting. For parents, it offers relief; for children, enforced disconnection amid peer pressure.
Critics worry about enforcement feasibility and free speech, but strong public backing (80%) suggests viability. Success may inspire copycats, accelerating global norms.
Greece’s bold step marks a pivotal moment in digital regulation, balancing innovation with child welfare. As implementation unfolds, it will test enforcement tech and EU coordination, potentially redefining online childhood across borders.
